- Fake Business Listings Cost Ghanaians GH¢266,195 as CSA Issues Alert
The Cyber Security Authority has warned the public of a growing wave of fraudulent online business impersonation schemes, after recording 54 cases between January 1 and April 26, 2026, resulting in total financial losses of GH¢266,195.
In a public alert, the Authority said fraudsters are impersonating legitimate businesses by creating fake listings on search engines and online map services. Scammers socially engineer unsuspecting victims who interact with these listings into sending money or disclosing sensitive personal and financial information.
According to the CSA, the threat actors create fake business profiles with contact channels controlled by the fraudsters. Victims searching for business contacts online often assume they are dealing with authentic service providers and proceed to engage the criminals.
The fraudsters then request sensitive information under the guise of service processing or payment verification. In some cases, victims are instructed to complete online forms requiring their phone numbers, mobile network details, transaction amounts and mobile money PINs.
Once the information is submitted, the fraudsters carry out unauthorised transactions, leading to financial losses.
The alert points to a growing cybercrime risk in Ghana’s digital marketplace, where consumers increasingly rely on search engines, online maps and digital listings to contact businesses, make enquiries and initiate payments.
The CSA advised the public to verify business contact details through official websites or trusted sources before initiating communication. It also urged users to be cautious of businesses listed on search engines or maps with limited reviews or recently created profiles.
The Authority further warned the public not to disclose sensitive information such as mobile money PINs, one-time passwords or banking credentials to anyone.
It also advised consumers to confirm payment requests directly with verified business representatives using trusted contact details.
The CSA said that you should promptly report suspicious listings, contacts, or incidents for investigation. The Authority operates a 24-hour Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact for reporting cybercrimes and seeking guidance on online activities.
This latest warning adds to growing concerns about online fraud in Ghana, particularly as more consumers and businesses shift to digital platforms for payments, bookings, deliveries and customer service.
